How are rehabilitation concerns affected by cold weather?

• A. Rehab should include access to dry clothing
• B. PPE reduces the likelihood of hypothermia
• C. Drinking hot liquids should be prohibited
• D. Recommended fluid intake is reduced

Answer: (A)

Cold-weather rehab focuses on maintaining body heat and preventing hypothermia during rest and recovery. Dry clothing is essential because when clothes are wet, heat is lost rapidly through conduction, evaporation, and wind chill, making it much harder to rewarm and recover. Having dry, properly layered garments helps trap air for insulation, reduces ongoing heat loss, and supports safe rewarming and monitoring in rehab. It keeps firefighters warmer, more comfortable, and better able to regain function for continued duty.

The other ideas don’t fit rehab needs as well. Personal protective equipment isn’t a reliable way to prevent hypothermia during rehab and can trap moisture or impede effective rewarming if relied on alone. Drinking hot liquids can be helpful to raise core temperature and comfort, provided there are no medical restrictions. And fluid intake should generally be maintained or adjusted to prevent dehydration in cold conditions rather than reduced.